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Tag Archives: Punctal Plugs

I started complaining of sore eyes nearly five years ago and have only just found relief.

That’s right, it took me years to find a solution. Initially, I thought the discomfort was computer related, so I did all the usual things for Computer Vision Syndrome: looked away from the computer every twenty minutes, adjusted the settings to make the screen dimmer, and cut the glare from the windows.

When that didn’t work I went to my Optometrist who prescribed reading glasses. Over the years, I tried different prescriptions and even progressive lenses, yet nothing helped. Last January, I went to an Optometrist who did a very simple test for dry eyes. I scored 3/10. She suggested Restasis, a prescription eye drop, along with fish oil tablets, moist eye soaks nightly and Refresh Endura (over the counter drops throughout the day). I did it all for six months. Apparently it can take 3-6 months for the Restasis to work. No change.

Finally, in October, I went to an ophthalmologist who confirmed that I have dry eyes. She suggested Punctal Plugs, tiny tube-like devices inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage and help retain moisture on the surface of the eye. Here in Canada, they cost $75 each. She suggested trying one to see if it would make a difference. It took all of five minutes to insert the plug, with an anesthetic drop beforehand, and I didn’t feel a thing.

After a few weeks I felt like there was a difference. My eyes still got sore but not as quickly and I wasn’t using as many eye drops. I decided to get a plug put in the other eye. Now, months later, I can tell you that it has made a significant difference. I used to go through boxes of eye drops every month. I spent thousands of dollars on glasses as well as prescription and nonprescription drops. Now, I only wear reading glasses (yeah, that baffles me too), and I rarely use eye drops at all. I’m still careful to give my eyes a rest when I’m on the computer, but my eyes are relatively free of any discomfort.

Do you have sore eyes? Dry eyes? Check with your Optometrist or Ophthalmologist to find out what the best solution is for you. Questions or comments? Please, leave them below.